CRESCNEDO DANCE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Ballet – We teach a combination of Vaganova and Cecchetti styles.  Pointe work does not begin until age 11 or 12.  Pointe work is not mandatory for all classes.  Our emphasis in ballet is proper technique.

Tap – We teach a combination of standard Broadway and rhythm tap styles.  Our tap program is more advanced and moves more quickly than other studios.  Most transferring students will need to move down a level or age group while they catch up.  Private instruction is effective in helping students catch up.

Jazz – Jazz requires proper dance technique for turns, kicks, leaps, etc.  It is a high energy, fun, upbeat style of dance.

Lyrical – Lyrical is a fluid dance form that is most easily described as halfway between ballet and jazz.  It is usual performed with music that is an inspirational or moving ballad.  The movement generally interprets the lyrics of the song, hence the name “lyrical”.  Good technique and/or supplemental ballet training is critical.  Strong technique is important because of the contractions and releases in this style.  Because of the level of body control required for this style, it is most appropriate for students ages 8 and up who have already had training in ballet.

Hip-Hop – Hip-Hop is a street dance form.  It is different than all the other forms listed above because it is not based is traditional dance technique, although good technique always helps!  Hip-Hop is what you see in most music videos and can also encompass locking and break dancing.

What is dance technique? – The basis of dance is in its technique.  Dance is more than just putting the right foot in the right place at the right time.  Good technique is what enables a dancer to move like a dancer.  Ballet technique classes focus on the development of flexibility, strength and the proper alignment of the body, so that steps and movements are being executed with good form, precision and full extension.  Leaps and turns class also receive extra attention in Technique while focus on these two area which are critical to the development of a dancer.